Vogely invests in efficient and sustain­able labelling

At the family-run businesses Vogely and Espera, it’s the third generation now calling the shots. Together, they opted to install the very latest generation of weighing and labelling machines—also a ‘third generation’—at Vogely. A strategic move towards a more sustainable and high-quality presentation of their game products. A first, and a new step towards the future.

Grandfather Van Leendert started out in the 1960s with a fish stall at the Maastricht market, later expanding his trade to include game. Today, grandson Dominique van Leendert is at the helm of the game business. His brother Dario is also involved in the company. As third-generation owners, they take great pride in their products. Dominique explains enthusiastically: “Vogely specialises in processing, packaging and supplying game products to wholesalers and retailers in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.” He notes that Vogely is part of an international group of production companies, with two locations of its own in countries where the game is sourced: Brandenburg Game in Poland (large game) and Infriba in Argentina (hare). “We also import rabbit, certified to the highest animal welfare standards. Our game comes directly from hunters and is processed in-house into a finished product. We are quite literally at the source,” he emphasises. “That ensures continuity, control, and a transparent supply chain. Our products are pure, healthy and sustainable.”

Dominique van Leendert and Lotte Bronckers

Premium presentation

Vogely places strong emphasis on the premium presentation of its game products. To support this, the company has worked for many years with Espera—another family business that marked its 100th anniversary in 2024, and is also run by the third generation. Espera specialises in advanced weighing and labelling systems for the food industry. Lotte Bronckers, responsible for marketing, explains: “We don’t just supply the machines—we also provide service, maintenance, training and system integration. I look at how we can improve processes, both in-house and at our clients’.” Dominique adds: “We have direct lines of communication, and if something goes wrong or needs fixing, it’s resolved quickly. That’s crucial during our busy game season.”

Plans for expansion

When Dominique and his colleagues began planning for capacity expansion and more sustainable packaging in 2024, returning to Espera was the logical step. They visited the EMPACK packaging fair to see a demonstration of the latest weighing and labelling systems, and came back to Kerkrade full of ideas. “They wanted to switch to a new type of skin packaging for retailers, which requires a sleeve containing up-to-date information and a high-end appearance,” explains Jan Zwaan, Managing Director at Espera, who oversaw the project. “Meeting that need called for a combination of speed, flexibility and digital integration. Vogely is the first company to have our latest weighing and labelling machines installed in-line with the Nobac machine,” Jan says. “A first we’re proud of!”

Dominique van Leendert and Jan Zwaan

They chose a set-up consisting of:

• Two ES-E1011 weighing and labelling machines, used to weigh pre-packaged products—both fixed and variable weight. The machines print up-to-date product information and apply labels to both the top and bottom of the packaging. They’re connected to Vogely’s ERP system for real-time data communication.
• One Nobac 5000 from Ravenwood, which applies so-called linerless C-/D-labels—labels without backing paper, reducing waste and providing more space for product information and branding. The Nobac is equipped with two printers that can print top and bottom simultaneously.
• Esprom software, which allows central management of labels and data for both new and existing machines, including the Nobac.

Precise integration

The machines were installed in August 2024. “We had to fine-tune a few things at first, especially the ERP integration,” says Dominique. “But once everything was set up, it ran smoothly.” The new machines integrate seamlessly with the existing systems and are considered user-friendly by the team. “We now have more capacity, a more professional look, and less chance of errors. The machines are not only technically aligned with our needs—they also support our commitment to sustainability.”

Looking back with pride

Both companies look back on the project with pride. The collaboration was smooth and professional. “This truly was a joint effort,” says Lotte. “From concept to execution, everything was coordinated, tested, installed and delivered as a team—on time and within budget.” Dominique agrees: “The entire process went just as we envisioned it, and the end result is a real step forward. This is how three third generations head into the future together.”

www.vogely.nl
www.espera.com

Photos: © Fotopersburo Bert Jansen